Who doesn't have trouble falling asleep from time to time? These are my favorite teas that help you fall asleep. They are all gentle, calming, and mildly sedating. A cup or two in the evening is the perfect potion to calm those racing thoughts and nagging worries that can keep you up at night.1. Catnip
Have you ever tried catnip tea? It is on the top of my trouble sleeping herbal tea list due to its gentle nature — catnip is often recommended for kids. This herb helps to promote sleep with its sedative properties. It's also great for an upset stomach. Catnip is a member of the mint family. Blend one teaspoon each of dried catnip and dried mint leaves. Steep, covered, for about 10 minutes and finish with a sliver slice of lemon.
2. Oatstraw
You've may have heard me say this before, but I just really love oatstraw. Maybe because of its pureness. Its a nerve nourisher, not really a sedative. The more you drink it the stronger your nervous system, the more capable the body is to deal with stress.
3. Passionflower
According to WebMD, passionflower used to be sold in the US as a sleep aid, but was taken off the market in the late 70s because of lack of testing. You can still get it from any natural food, herb, or tea shop and it is found in plenty of herbal tea blends. Traditional Medicinals has a great organic night time tea blend
that features passionflower, chamomile, catnip, and lemon verbena.4. Valerian
Valerian root is another sedating herbal option. I actually like valerian tea on its own — no honey, lemon, or other herbs. You can drink a cup in the afternoon and another before bed for a great night's rest.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is not necessarily the most powerful calming herb, but it has the best flavor (think aromatic apple blossoms while sipping). Most people have some in their cupboard. Also, chamomile blends well with other herbs like catnip, linden, passionflower, and lavender.
6. Kava kava
This is a really interesting herb, and the strongest on the list. UMM warns of some concern over liver damage associated with use in rare cases, so all I will say is that kava tea is an option, but talk to your doctor first. I drink the Yogi tea version, which blends kava with a few aromatics; cinnamon, ginger, and cardamon. Seriously though, only use if you don't drink alcohol (this destroys your liver) and you don't regularly take medications. I know a lot of people take antidepressants, anti-anxiety, etc., if you do, or any other drugs for that matter, choose an alternative tea from this list such as oatstraw or catnip and discuss your well-being with your doctor. If your doc doesn't know much about herbs, talk to a licensed naturopath.
0 comments:
Post a Comment